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Most men do not think about the fact that they have a very small
amount of non-functioning breast tissue. Even though this minute
amount of breast tissue does not of course ever produce milk, or
serve any purpose, it is susceptible to a mutation of the cells
that can lead to male breast cancer.
These tissues are located in the region specifically behind the
nipple that is present on the chest. Similar to breast cancer in
women, male breast cancer occurs due to the unrestrained increase
in the cells of the breast tissue.
There are tubular structures or ducts in the breast tissue of both
girls as well as boys. During the time of puberty, ovaries present
in the girl generate female hormones called estrogen. The estrogen
causes the ducts to expand and lobules, which are the milk glands,
are developed at the ends of these ducts. The amount of fat as well
as connective tissue inside the breast also enlarges as the girl
attains puberty.
But at the same time, male hormones like testosterone, which are
produced by the testes, stifle the development of the breast tissue
and the growth of lobules. This results in under developed ducts
in the male breast of which only contain a minute quantity of fat
along with connective tissues.
Male breast cancer is not a very common disease and it accounts
for just about 1% of all types of breast cancers put together. Breast
cancer is far more widespread in women as compared to men. The majority
of cases for male breast cancer are noticed in men who are between
the ages of 55 and 70, even though the disease may arise in men
of any age.
Men are far less in danger of developing breast cancer and in fact
only approximately one in every thousand men ever do.
The reason for male breast cancer has not been completely understood.
But researchers show that it can be genetic or inherited aspects
as well as an environmental issues that are likely to contribute
to a part in its growth.
There have been studies that indicate that people who are exposed
to ionizing waves are at a great risk. People who have in the past
undergone therapy using radiation in order to take care of malignancies
found in the chest area like Hodgkin's lymphoma are at a risk for
the growth of breast cancer. Lymphoma is a kind of cancer that involves
the cells related to the immune system which are called lymphocytes.
If any breast cancer symptoms are detected, then call the doctor
and make an appointment as soon as possible.
Kimberly Shannon offers helpful diet and natural treatment information
for breast cancer support and other health issues such as lymphoma
and other cancers visit her healthy living blog at getbreastcancersupport.com/healthylivingblog.
Article Source: articledashboard.com:
A Simple Guide to Male Breast Cancer
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